With technology constantly changing, businesses find it more challenging than ever to keep their personal and customer data on the web secure. Every company must invest in web security to keep hackers and cybercriminals from accessing sensitive information. With a proactive security strategy, businesses avoid or reduce their risk of malware infection. A successful hack can spread attacks from one computer to the other, making it hard to trace where it all started.
Why Web Security is Important
Your website serves as your brand, storefront, and sometimes first contact with customers. Failing to keep it safe and secure can compromise these business relationships. Your website faces threats in many forms and you have to deal with different web security concerns. It can be infected with malware that can spread to site visitors, steal customer information, steal credit card and other financial information, and hijack or crash the website. A security breach can have significant impacts on a business, especially when customers learn about it.
How to Make Information on the Web More Secure
For companies, the best line of defense on the web begins with increasing user awareness. Also, they can avoid the risk of web security attacks by implementing the following security tips:
- Using strong passwords. Passwords must be at least 8 characters with a combination of 8 lower case letters, capitals, a special character, and numbers. Avoid making the password a familiar phase as it can be easily cracked by password cracking software.
- Using two-factor authorization. This is required when logging into a website. It works by sending you a text message with a phone number you registered to confirm it’s you accessing the site.
- Secure networks. Whenever you log into financial and other important websites you have personal information on, check the address bar before you log into them. Ensure the address starts with HTTPS; otherwise, it’s not secured. Also, don’t click on an email link or download an attachment from unknown sources.
- Keep software and plugins up-to-date. Websites can be compromised because of outdated software. Possible hackers and bots scan websites to launch an attack. Updates usually contain security improvements and vulnerability repairs. Always check for updates or add an update notification plugin to your site.
- Use a secure web host. A lot of web hosts offer server security features that give better protection to uploaded website data. When picking a web host, check if they provide a Security File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), the FTP Use by Uknown User is disabled, they offer file backup services, and use a Rootkit Scanner, as well as how well they keep up to date on security upgrades.